Clare And Carl's Michigan Sauce Recipe
Try this easy Clare And Carl’s Michigan Sauce Recipe made with ground beef, onions, tomato sauce, mustard, and slow-simmered spices.
Equipment
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk (optional but helpful)
Ingredients
For the Michigan Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 works best
- 1 medium onion very finely chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional but delicious:
- A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
Instructions
- Place a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it very fine, not chunky.
- Add the finely chopped onion and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft.
- Drain excess grease if needed, but leave a little for flavor.
- Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar.
- Add the sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cloves, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.